We stretch the canvas onto a stretcher. Inexpensive stretching of canvas on a stretcher

How to stretch canvas on a stretcher

Subframes
The stretcher serves as the basis for stretching the canvas. There are 2 types of stretchers: modular(prefabricated, wedge) and deaf.
Modular (prefabricated, wedge) stretchers can be bought in almost all art stores. They are sold in slats of 2 pieces (in increments of 5 cm in length) and are slightly more expensive than blind stretchers. As a rule, for a medium-sized painting, the thickness of the stretcher is 1.8 cm.
Modular stretchers have a huge advantage: their corners are not rigidly fastened and if the picture sag, you can fix everything at home, you just need to knock down the wedges. This must be done very carefully so as not to damage the canvas with a hammer or overtighten it.
In blind stretchers, the corners are rigidly connected and if the canvas sag, it will have to be re-stretched. Canvas reupholstery should only be done by a specialist!

Subframe and preservation of the painting
A low-quality stretcher negatively affects the safety of the painting. Paintings by modern painters very often have bad stretchers. Unfortunately, not all artists give great importance quality of the subframe. Defects in the stretcher do not allow the canvas to be properly stretched over it, which ultimately leads to the destruction of the soil and the painting layer of the painting. A high-quality stretcher is the basis for the long-term preservation of paintings.

Let's look at the main defects of the subframe:

• blind connection of corners, which does not make it possible to regulate the tension of the canvas, which causes deformation of the canvas and its sagging
• Artists nail plywood triangles to the “blind” corners of the subframe, which make the subframe even more rigid and motionless
• absence of crossbar or crossbar - for paintings big size. A subframe with a cross or crossbar will not warp and the corners will remain straight
• absence of bevels on the inner sides of the subframe, which causes creases and screes of the paint layer
• a fragile stretcher that distorts when stretching the canvas
• step-like, loose connection of planks at the corners and on the cross. With this defect, the canvas is deformed, creases and screes of the paint layer appear and it is impossible to tightly connect the painting to the frame
• the subframe is made carelessly, from raw wood, as a result of which, after a fairly short period of time, the subframe will “lead” and will have to be replaced (in some cases the frame also has to be replaced)
• the subframe is made of wood with knots. Even a well-made subframe that has knots will eventually “lead” and will have to be replaced
• subframe with grinder beetle. Thanks to the activity of these insects, the tree disintegrates, turning into dust
• the subframe is infected with mold

Tools
To stretch the canvas you will need a stapler with staples (Figure No. 1), a special tool for stretching paintings (Figure No. 2), a tape measure and a hammer.

Canvas Tension Strength
Untreated canvas is not stretched too much, because... It will stretch considerably during priming. The final touch will be stretching the primed canvas by tapping wedges in the corners. For a blind stretcher, it is advisable to use primed canvas. It must be pulled tightly, like a drum.

Stretching canvas on a modular stretcher

• Measure the diagonals of the subframe, they should be the same!!! Secure the corners with a stapler (2 staples per corner)
• You need to stretch the canvas with a tool to stretch the paintings evenly with the same force
• When stretching, do not wet the canvas on the unprimed side, this may lead to peeling of the primer.
• Pull out the brackets holding the corners of the subframe
• Fold and staple the excess canvas (Figure No. 6)
• Insert two wooden wedges into the grooves at the corners of the subframe and carefully tap them with a hammer (Figure No. 6)

Stretching canvas on a blind stretcher

• If possible, it is better not to use such a subframe at all!!!
• Check the diagonals, they must be the same!!!
• Place the painting on the stretcher exactly horizontally. If you simply have unprimed canvas, it is important to position it so that the direction of the canvas threads is parallel to the edges of the stretcher
• Using a stretching tool, staple the canvas on 4 sides, as shown in Figure No. 3
• Secure the canvas with a stapler every 2-3 cm around the entire perimeter of the stretcher, moving from the center to the edge, as shown in Figure No. 4
• You need to stretch the canvas with a tool for stretching paintings evenly with the same force and quite strongly, because if the canvas sag, you will need to re-stretch it
• Continue stretching the canvas onto the stretcher as shown in Figure 5. At the corners, the canvas is carefully tucked and stapled
• Bend and staple the excess canvas (Figure No. 6), you will also need it when reupholstering the painting

Master class by Natalia Derevyanko with YAM

IN Lately, with the development of technology, new materials and the speed of life, I looked at printing in a new way, and especially printing on canvas, because all my originals were made using the oil on canvas technique. I really love the texture of the canvas, the volume of the stretcher, and a new plus: a painting on a stretcher can be hung on the wall without a frame. Today it is very popular. At one time I lived in Italy, as you know, their frames are excellent, but the prices are not low, so everything modern works hung in houses without frames - the so-called gallery stretch.

I want to tell and show you printing on canvas and its design.

First of all, prepare the digital file for printing. I scan my work for higher quality, sometimes even at 800 dpi. If this big job, I scan it in parts and assemble it into a single whole. After this, it is necessary to add, namely, to complete (not stretch) margins of 3 cm on each side, which will be an organic continuation of the drawing. For what? These fields will go to the ends of the stretcher and at the same time, the picture itself will not be distorted - the cat’s tail or the girl’s hat will not bend at the ends. Yes, it is painstaking, but necessary. The best way to do this is in Photoshop using the Clone tool.

In my store on YAM I sell digital images already with margins and the size you need. Since they weigh quite a bit, I send them via a file hosting service. This is very convenient for sending to Russia, because delivery services have restrictions on the size of paintings, and they are on the safe side by requiring permission to send, but you receive a digital file and feel free to go to the printing studio.

With the finished digital file on a flash drive (resolution 300 dpi, RGB palette, natural size), I go to the printing studio. In principle, if we have a good wide-format inkjet printer, we can print it at home :) But it wasn’t available, so I went to a studio, not the nearest one, but the one that specializes in printing on canvas. Why? Because the price for those who do not specialize in this is five times higher, secondly, they take the cheapest artificial canvas, and they simply don’t have enough experience... I order a print on German cotton canvas, this is the same canvas that is used for painting oil and acrylic. This canvas comes in different widths: 61 cm, 91 cm, 107 cm, 127 cm, 152 cm. Therefore, of course, it is more profitable to order printing of several works at once. Here is the result after printing

After this, we cut, but do not trim off the excess margins; they will be needed to grip the canvas with your fingers and bend it to the ends and back. We buy stretchers or order them from a framing workshop. Today in any hobby or art store you can buy ready subframe or blanks for it, the range of sizes is huge.

We take a stapler and start pulling. If ordinary canvas is wetted before stretching, canvas with printing cannot be wetted because We will damage the image. We always pull starting from the middle, driving the staples opposite each other

We reach the corners and carefully wrap the corners. This is how it is wrong to “overlap” corners. So they look sloppy and resemble a candy box.

That's right. The “overlap” is hidden in the middle and you get clear corners

After this, use a soft brush to open it with damask varnish for finishing work. There are other varnishes, the main thing is that they are for finishing, and not for painting.

Several works look very good, and it is not necessary to hang them in one line, you can experiment yourself :)

The next step is stretching the canvas onto a stretcher.

How and many things in life, it can either work out the first time or only after some time, but it will definitely work out if you just keep trying.

Buying canvas.

To do this, you need to understand the pros and cons of the material from which the canvas is made.
On the modern market there are canvases made of linen, cotton and synthetics, as well as mixed ones. Don’t forget that you don’t have to buy the material at an art store; you can also find canvas at a fabric store.

Material

Cotton
This material is strong and absorbs moisture more strongly than linen material. It is also generally accepted that cotton canvases are the most susceptible to rotting and sagging.
But one of its undoubted advantages is that the cotton thread is much thinner and smoother than linen, which allows you to write even the most small parts. In addition, cotton canvas has a low cost, so it is considered an ideal option for beginning artists.
It is easier to stretch such a canvas than linen; it is less deformed. In addition, when sizing canvas, this canvas significantly outperforms linen.

Linen
The most durable and resistant to temperature and humidity. He is also the most popular among professional artists. Linen canvas is the densest and least susceptible to abrasion , which allows you to protect the work from possible deformations.
A significant drawback of this material is the price - linen canvas can be two or even three times more expensive than cotton canvas. Also, if the linen canvas is not very dense, there may be a problem when filling the “holes” during sizing.

Synthetics
This material has not yet been tested by time, so it is impossible to judge its durability. On the one hand, it has a number of unconditional advantages - strength, durability, low price. The synthetic fabric is absolutely smooth, which is a significant advantage for students. Besides, creative people It is undoubtedly more pleasant to write on natural canvases.

It is also worth noting that there are combined canvases, with different ratios linen, cotton and syntheticswhich combine the characteristics of these materials.

After the choice of canvas material is completed, you need to decide on the structure of the fabric. According to the structure, canvases are coarse-grained, medium-grained, fine-grained. This factor depends on the thickness of the fabric threads.

Grain.

Coarse-grained The canvas is suitable for painting medium and large format paintings. Large grain provides additional protection of the canvas from sagging. However, on such a canvas it will be quite difficult to paint small details, the paint will lie unevenly, so it is designed to work with broad strokes.

Medium grain canvas is a cross between coarse-grain and fine-grain. Such a canvas is considered universal and is recommended for purchase if you do not know in advance the nature of the future work.

Fine-grained canvas is ideal for glazing and “smooth” painting. Such a canvas allows the artist to register all the clear and small details, to create smooth transitions colors. Considering all the properties of fine grain, this type of canvas is suitable for students art schools and studios.

It is necessary to understand that the choice of canvas, including its texture and material, depends on a number of circumstances, whetherpersonal preferences of the artist, painting style or money factor.

TO at this moment we decided on the canvas and we have it readya stretcher made by yourself or bought in a store.

What tools do we need:
Scissors
Construction stapler and paper clips (or nails and a hammer)
Canvas stretching tongs (optional)

For the first time, it is better to take a medium canvas, for example 40/40.

So, we place the stretcher on the straightened canvas and cut off the excess material, leaving an allowance of 4-7 cm on each side of the stretcher (depending on the size of the stretcher).

After this, having straightened the canvas, select the first side and straightening it along the side to the right and left, we drive in the first three staples (let me clarify that we are driving in staplesthe thickness of the subframe) the gap between them is 2-4 cm.

The next step is to turn the subframe over with the fixed side down and on the opposite side we repeat everything the same, with one IMPORTANT AMENDMENT, before attaching the paper clip, you need to forcefully stretch the canvas.
We do the same with the two remaining sides, be sure to use force so that the canvas does not sag in the future.

Next we return to the first side, to where our first three paper clips were,stretch the canvas again and fasten one more paper clip on the right and left. We repeat the action along the entire stretcher until we reach the corners.
The corners should be folded into an envelope or carefully trimmed so that they do not interfere with the frame in the future.

The sound of your fingers on the stretched canvas should resemble the sound of a drum.

You can also stretch already primed canvas purchased from an art store onto a stretcher. The peculiarity of stretching it will only be that before stretching the canvas must be moistened with water inside, and all other actions are the same.

Your first stretched canvas is ready! Congratulations!
Subsequently, I want to make a video on this fascinating process.

The ability to stretch canvas onto a stretcher is an important skill for every artist. A properly prepared base guarantees convenient and high-quality work, as well as the safety of the work for years. This process is simple, but there are many requirements and nuances. By following the basic rules, you will quickly master this skill.

Why is it important to properly prepare the foundation?

A well-stretched canvas does not sag, and the threads are positioned without distortions. The tension on it is distributed evenly, creating a slight drum effect. On this basis, the primer and layer of paint will be invulnerable to fluctuations in temperature and humidity, and will withstand the natural shrinkage and stretching of the fabric without consequences.

Insufficient tension, distortion in the form of folds, distortions or waviness of the threads are typical defects of an improperly prepared base. They lead to premature peeling of the primer layer and cracking of paints. Moreover, it is weak stretched fabric does not hold the primer correctly, causing it to excessively absorb oil from the paints. This leads to darkening of colors, loss of saturation and gloss.

Tools and materials

The canvas is attached to the stretcher in one of two ways: using nails or a stapler. In the first case they use nails cone-shaped with a wide cap. Their length is 1-2 cm depending on the size of the subframe. When using this method, additionally use a small hammer And forceps for removing incorrectly driven nails.

The second method is fixation stapler(with a construction stapler). This is a simpler and no less reliable method. The staples should be driven in at an angle of 45°. This way they will ensure better fixation of the canvas and prevent the formation of folds and slipping of the edges.

The second method is fixation with a stapler

Regardless of which method the canvas is attached to, special forceps. This is a tool with wide rubberized jaws, comfortable handles and a rounded stop. With its help, you will achieve uniform tension on the canvas without any extra effort, avoiding distortions of the threads, torn canvas and dents on the wooden stretcher.

Also useful during work scissors And pencil.

The canvas is stretched in a dust-free room, having previously covered the work table with cloth, paper or covered with polyethylene.

Preparing the pattern

The size of the canvas is measured taking into account the bend of the canvas on the back side of the stretcher. Narrow edges make it difficult to stretch the base and re-tighten the painting in the future. The optimal width of the edges is from 5 to 10 cm, based on the size of the subframe and the thickness of its slats.

Correct tension technique

The front side of the stretcher has bevels or chamfers, thanks to which the canvas does not come into contact with the entire surface of the frame. Before starting work, it is important to make sure that the canvas is stretched on the side with the bevels.

Drive the first staple or nail into the middle of the stretcher bar, the second - from the opposite side, pulling the canvas with your fingers.

Do the same on opposite sides, controlling the tension force so that the transverse and longitudinal threads of the fabric remain without distortion.

Canvas stretching

Drive in three staples one at a time on each side of the subframe. The result is a basic cross-shaped tension of the web.

Carry out further tightening with tongs, pulling the fabric without much effort or jerking. Drive the staples sequentially, making sure there are no distortions.

The optimal distance between fasteners is 4 cm. Staples or nails must be driven strictly opposite each other on each side. This will ensure stable tension without warping or other defects.

Fold and secure the corners of the canvas, making sure that the folds are even and do not protrude beyond the edge of the stretcher.

Edges stretched canvas can be left uncut, trimmed to fit the width of the stretcher slats, or neatly folded in half and secured with staples.

The ultimate goal is to achieve a tight and stable tension. The warp and weft threads must be free of distortions and wavy curvatures. Otherwise, cracks in the primer layer and damage to the paint will occur in this place over time.

Two types of tension

There are two standards for stretching canvas on a stretcher - classic and gallery. In both cases, the canvas is fixed using standard technology, but with minor differences.

In classic tensioning, the staples are driven into the end of the subframe. It is assumed that the work will be framed, which will hide its edges.

Gallery stretching is designed for frameless painting. The image continues on the sides, so the canvas is secured with staples at the back.

Stretching canvas on different types of stretchers

There are two types of subframes - with fixed corner connections and prefabricated ones with wedges.

Blind structures. They are offered ready-made. Before starting work, such a subframe does not need to be knocked down and checked for distortions. But if the painting sag over time, it will have to be re-tightened.

You might also be interested in: It is important to know how:

Prefabricated subframe with wedges- This classic version. The structure is assembled independently. There are additional grooves for wedges in the corners of the subframe. With their help you can control the tension of the canvas. If the painting sag, there will be no need to retighten it; to tighten it, just move the wedges a little. The design of such a stretcher is optimal for long-term storage of paintings.

The subframe is a skeleton that is made in the form of a frame. As a rule, wooden slats are used for its manufacture. In fact, they stretch the canvas over it before starting to work on the painting. After finished painting is inserted into the frame, which is why the structure is called a “subframe”. It performs an important function - it holds the linen or cotton fabric in a stretched form.

Stretching canvases on a stretcher: features of the process

Stretching canvases onto a stretcher is a rather difficult task, the execution of which should be entrusted to real professionals. If you are doing oil painting or painting tapestries, turning to specialists is a necessity.

Stretching a painting onto a stretcher is done in several ways:

− flatbed stretch;

− standard tension;

− gallery stretch.

The standard method is used when you need to decorate the canvas in baguette frame. The image is inserted into the frame in such a way that the edges of the stretcher are not visible. A more complex method is to stretch the painting onto a stretcher. The painting is placed along the edges of the stretcher in such a way as to leave the side part just white. If White color does not fit, the sides are painted with a background fill in accordance with the tone of the entire picture. The canvas is fixed on the back side of the stretcher using staples.

The gallery stretch on the subframe deserves special attention. This special variety frameless design: the canvas is stretched onto a stretcher so that the image continues on the sides of the stretcher itself. Here it is important to carefully wrap the canvas in the corners, and also secure it with reverse side subframe This design does not require the use of a frame, so it can boast of being budget-friendly.

Advantages of gallery stretching on a subframe

This method is characterized by the following advantages:

− attractiveness of the deep side part of the subframe;

− represents a modern minimalist solution;

− beneficial from the point of view of financial expenses;

− holds geometry better than standard options;

− ideal for designing large format images.

Do you need gallery stretched canvas on a stretcher in Moscow? Framing workshop Run Art offers its services. Reasonable price, fast order fulfillment, responsibility and professionalism are the advantages of working with us.